Relic of Saint Glyceria, Virgin and Martyr

Relic of Saint Glyceria, Virgin and Martyr

+ Episcopal Authentication, 1888

This sacred object is a first-class relic consisting of physical remains (ex ossibus) of Saint Glyceria of Heraclea, an early Christian virgin and martyr venerated for her steadfast faith and heroic witness during the Roman persecutions. The relic is housed in a finely crafted circular reliquary, measuring approximately 5.5 cm in diameter, adorned with a decorative metal frame set with faceted stones. The interior is traditionally lined with textile, and the relic is identified by an original handwritten Latin label bearing the saint’s name.

The reverse of the reliquary is securely sealed with red ecclesiastical wax and silk threads, in accordance with canonical norms, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of the relic.

Saint Glyceria of Heraclea (2nd century) suffered martyrdom in Heraclea of Thrace during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius or Marcus Aurelius. According to ancient hagiographical sources, she openly confessed her Christian faith, destroyed a pagan idol through prayer, and endured imprisonment and torture before finally giving her life for Christ. She is honored in both the Eastern and Western Christian traditions as a model of courage, purity, and unwavering devotion. Her feast day is celebrated on May 13.

The relic is accompanied by its original Latin ecclesiastical document of authentication, issued in 1888, confirming the identity and lawful veneration of the relic. The document was signed and sealed by Nicolaus Chilardi, Archbishop of Lucca, who held this office in the late 19th century.

Archbishop Chilardi acted by the grace of the Apostolic See, and his signed attestation follows the formal canonical formula stating that the relic was examined, recognized as authentic, and sealed according to Church law. Such documents were mandatory for the public veneration or private possession of relics and remain a crucial element in establishing provenance and historical legitimacy.

Relics of early martyrs such as Saint Glyceria are especially revered within Christian tradition, as they represent a direct physical connection to the earliest witnesses of the faith. The presence of an intact 19th-century episcopal authentication greatly enhances the historical, devotional, and scholarly value of this relic.

This object stands as a rare and authentic devotional artifact, uniting sacred history, ecclesiastical authority, and traditional craftsmanship, and is suitable for private devotion, scholarly study, or inclusion in a serious religious collection.

------ Ask for authenticity documents in private messages at info@saintsrelics.com ------